Rude Roots: Annette Foreman

I was born and grew up in Birmingham in the late 70s. When I was a child, I was very aware of racism and the National Front marches racist chants from them about people like my family. I’m bi- racial; my father is African Carribean and my mother white Irish.

I was born and grew up in Birmingham in the late 70s. When I was a child, I was very aware of racism and the National Front marches racist chants from them about people like my family. I’m bi- racial; my father is African Carribean and my mother white Irish.

Fred Perry to me is a very integral part of music, although he used to be a tennis player. The brand itself became very much a part of the way second generation Rudeboys and Rudegirls; dressed in the Harrington jacket it told people exactly the kind of music you loved just by the way you dressed. Also, it looks smart and it’s stylish in a cool casual way.

First time I heard the Specials was on John Peel radio show where he played the song Gangsters. I’ve been a fan ever since my whole life really. I would save up my dinner money and pocket money to buy their records and albums. Loved their message about politics and fighting racism.

As they were a Midlands band and the whole Two-Tone movement started in the Midlands it gave young people like me a sound and message to be proud of at a time when riots were happening, and unemployment was high.

The first time I heard the song Ghost Town it blew me away in school the next day it was all anyone could talk about I knew it would get to number 1 before I even brought it. I used to love to watch them on Top Of The Pops on a Thursday night.

When the album Specials was released in 1979, I had to buy it. I was twelve years old that’s when I knew I was a ‘rude girl’ and changed my style to suit the 2-Tone music with a blue Harrington jacket, black loafers and the badges. I still have the album and my badges to this day also by other 2-Tone bands such as The Selector, The Beat and of course Madness. But The Specials were always my favourite band.

I have seen them live five times in my life; once in my home city in Birmingham at N.E.C as a young girl. That was incredible! The other times as an adult down South where I now live.

My favourite song by the Specials is Do Nothing. I love the reggae feel of it and think it is so underrated because Gangsters and Ghost Town are so iconic.

My top 5 Specials songs would be:
1) Do Nothing 
2) Man at C & A
3) Gangsters 
4) Ghost Town 
5) A Message To You Rudy
 ( Although a cover love original by Dandy Livingstone) 

I was shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Terry Hall who I’ve admired since I was a young girl. I still find it hard to believe now his voice and lyrics are pure poetry he is an icon to many including myself will be greatly missed!

I was lucky enough to chat to Terry for a for months during lockdown on Instagram. I guess he could tell from my page I was a bit of a fan. From there I was put on the guestlist for a concert in Brighton which was very kind of him!

Although I’d seen The Specials before a few times live in huge venues this was an intimate small venue at the Chalk Club in Brighton in 2021. It was incredible to be so close to the stage and hear Terry’s voice live again! It was my favourite concert and memory of The Specials live.

Hard to imagine none of us will ever hear Terry sing live again, but what an incredible gift of music he has left us I for one will always be eternally grateful.